Rocket crash

RONNIE'S QUEST FOR EIGHTH TITLE IS OVER

- NEU GOULDING

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN played down defeat after his quest for a record EIGHTH world title came to a disappointing end.

"The Rocket' slipped to a shock 13-10 loss to fellow Essex potter Stuart Bingham at snooker's spiritual home.

Defeat means he remains level with Stephen Hendry on seven Crucible crowns - and also missed out on No.1 status after crashing out at the quarterfinal stage.

"I'm actually really happy to be honest, it's just the way it goes sometimes," said O'Sullivan, keen to play down his defeat.

"I feel like I'm actually getting through the ball, which is more important to me at this stage.